SHIFT Employment First Education
Coming Fall 2025
We call our online education platform SHIFT because it does more than deliver knowledge—it sparks transformation. Through SHIFT, organizations are embracing a new culture that integrates enabling technology within an Employment First approach. The result? More people are achieving success, independence, and meaningful inclusion in the workplace.
Read on to learn more about our professional Employment First certifications!
Employment First Certifications
Employment First Job Coach Certification
(approx. 15 - 20 hours to complete)
This course is designed for professionals currently working as job coaches or those exploring job coaching as a career path. Learners will complete the Employment First Fundamentals curriculum along with specialized coursework designed to equip them with the skills and strategies needed to effectively support people in workplace settings.
Learners will gain a deep understanding of how to guide job seekers through each stage of their employment journey—from delivering effective on-the-job support and using a variety of instructional strategies to build skills, to promoting independence and long-term success.
Employment First Job Developer Certification
(approx. 30 - 40 hours to complete)
This ACRE-approved course is designed for professionals currently serving as job developers—or those interested in pursuing this role. It provides both foundational and specialized training aligned with Employment First principles. In addition to completing the Employment First Fundamentals and Job Coach curricula, learners will engage in job developer–specific training focused on identifying and creating employment opportunities.
Learners will gain the skills to implement best practices in both supported and customized employment, including aligning job opportunities with each job seeker’s interests, skills, and goals, and facilitating meaningful, sustainable employment matches. Specialized modules will prepare learners to engage with employers, navigate local labor markets, master negotiation strategies, and utilize tools such as community resource maps to build strong, inclusive employment pathways.
Employment First Leadership Certification
(approx. 15 - 20 hours to complete)
Designed for professionals responsible for leading their organization’s Employment First cultural transformation, this course provides the advanced knowledge and tools needed to drive systemic change. Learners complete the Employment First Fundamentals curriculum and engage in targeted leadership training focused on aligning policy, practice, and culture with Employment First principles.
Learners will gain a high-level understanding of Employment First best practices while developing a deeper appreciation for the vital, hands-on work carried out by employment teams. They will explore strategies for adopting and sustaining the practices necessary for lasting cultural transformation and complete a series of planning tools designed to guide the development of a strategic implementation roadmap aligned with their organization’s goals.
